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Food and Entertainment

The Habit Burger Grill on Tyler in Riverside

November 20, 2016 by Ole Leave a Comment

The Habit Burger Grill on Tyler in the City of Riverside, California has been open for just about a year, but it has recently become one of my family’s favorite places to eat.

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

If it weren’t for my oldest son, I might not have tried it. A few months ago, after a long day of water polo, my son wanted a Habit burger. Unfortunately, it was closed by the time we arrived. I promised him another trip.

The next time we visited, I ordered something too… I was hooked.

The Habit offers more than just burgers, as you can see from the menu:

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

The food is prepared to order, and I have never seen it wait under a heating lamp to be served. As soon as the food is ready, the buzzer goes off.

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

Since becoming a fan, we have eaten at a bunch of different Habit locations, including Riverside Plaza in the City of Riverside, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Chino and Pleasanton.

We have only had good experiences, but The Habit on Tyler in Riverside is my favorite. One of the reasons is because of the people who work here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kris (@krisinriverside)

Along with French fries and sweet potato fries, The Habit also has onion rings. They are awesome.

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

My wife usually alternates between the Chicken Club or the Santa Barbara Cobb salad.

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside
The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

Our kids all get burgers.

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside
The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

I get burgers too, but mine usually arrive in a bowl without a bun. I really like the burgers here even without a bun. The burgers are charbroiled and seasoned, and the bacon always seems to be fresh.

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

The first time I tried The Habit was a few years ago in Lake Forest, California. I was not a fan. It must have been an off day, because fast forward to today and The Habit is one of my new favorite places.

The Habit Burger Grill
3510 Tyler St, Ste 100
Riverside, California

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: burgers, favorite places to eat, inland empire restaurants, riverside restaurant, the habit burger grill

One Last Lap at the World Famous Orange Y BMX Track – 08/27/16

August 28, 2016 by Ole Leave a Comment

Orange Y BMX held a special event last night called “One Last Lap”.

Related: Say Goodbye to BMX at the World-Famous Orange Y

Although the last official race is happening as I write this, last night was a chance for riders from the past and present to hang out with friends and say goodbye to the track. This event also raised funds for a local rider’s family.

It was nice to catch up with some of my BMX friends and take a few last laps. I sold all of our race bikes when my sons took up water polo, but I kept this modified dirt jumper so that I would have something to ride at the track every now and then.

Orange Y BMX

I also bought a few t-shirts.

Orange Y BMX
Orange Y BMX

… and took a bunch of pictures. View them all here:

Orange Y BMX - One Last Lap
Orange Y BMX - One Last Lap
Orange Y BMX - One Last Lap

Orange Y BMX
1977 – 2016

Filed Under: Fun, Sports Tagged With: bmx, orange y bmx

Say Goodbye to the World Famous Orange Y BMX Track

August 26, 2016 by Ole 1 Comment

The YMCA of Orange is shutting down the iconic Orange Y BMX track at the end of this month.  Since 1977, this track has provided fun, fitness and friendship for boys and girls of all ages…

Related post: One Last Lap at the World Famous Orange Y BMX Track – 08/27/16

Orange Y BMX - 2015 State Race
Orange Y BMX - 2015 State Race

Orange Y BMX - 2015 State Race

Orange Y BMX - 2015 State Race

Here are some excerpts from public statements posted by Orange Y BMX and the YMCA of Orange, which offer differing explanations of why the track is being closed:

From the Orange Y BMX Facebook page:

ORANGE Y BMX was started by local parents on YMCA property in the late 70’s to keep kids busy and out of trouble. Today the sport has grown all around the world and has become an Olympic sport. BMXers from around the world know ORANGE Y BMX as the Mecca of BMX in Orange County. Today 40 years later the YMCA board and CEO Jimmy Ozaeta have decided to close the only program on their property that benefits thousands of families yearly. Tripling the cost to operate wasn’t enough .They want to charge BMX 10,000.00 a month to use a vacant lot that local parents started the track on.

Shame on YMCA of Orange they forget who they serve.

Last event on this site is AUGUST 28,2016 SUNDAY .Please come out and support us as it’s the last time kids will race BMX in Orange County.

From the YMCA of Orange Facebook page:

As committed volunteers of our community-driven organization, it’s our responsibility to maximize our asset in an effort to serve more youth and families. As an organization we made a concerted effort to allow the current track operator to extend their lease agreement in April, but when it became evident that the BMX track operator was neither going to extend their existing lease agreement nor respond to our request to submit a proposal, we, as a board, then needed to take a different course of action as to the future plans of our property. As a non-profit, we can’t be expected (nor are we able) to subsidize the operational expenses of a for-profit business. Contrary to the inaccurate statements made by, or on behalf of, the track operator, we adamantly deny that our organization requested an absurd monthly lease rate, and that our organization is at the brink of bankruptcy. We would like to thank our community for your continued support during this transition.

As an organization we stand by our decision to take the necessary steps to maximize our asset. The last day of BMX programming on our property will be August 31, 2016, please focus your attention on giving this BMX track the proper send off after so many years of creating life-long memories.

I wanted to find out more, so I asked the YMCA of Orange some questions on Facebook.

YMCA of Orange - Questions Deleted about BMX

Unfortunately, my questions vanished. I have also noticed comments from other people that have disappeared, so this isn’t surprising. In addition, the page on the YMCA of Orange’s website that previously listed its leadership team now returns a “page not found” error (it is archived here).

YMCA of Orange Deleted Leadership Page

In contrast to the vanishing content on the YMCA of Orange’s Facebook page and website, the track operator has been very visible, and has even appeared on the news to share the track’s story.

Why do I care about this track? It is a part of my history. I raced here when I was a kid, and got to ride here again when my sons took up the sport about 30 years later. Riding this track (and others throughout SoCal) with my sons created memories that will last forever.

Orange Y BMX - Dad and Sons

It is very sad that this will be the last weekend for anyone else to make new memories at this track.

Although my sons have moved on to another sport, I still have a lot of friends who call this track home. I didn’t get to race as often as I would have liked when I was a kid, but I know some people who practically grew up here.

The YMCA of Orange owns the property, and is obviously allowed to use it for a different purpose. I am sure that many people will be watching the YMCA to see if the new use conforms to the mission found on the Orange YMCA’s website:

The YMCA of Orange puts Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

If not, I just might have to follow up on this issue in the future.

For now, I hope to visit the Orange Y sometime this weekend to take one last lap.  If you would like to ride this track one more time, the last scheduled event is this Sunday, 8/28. Visit orangeybmx.com for more information.

I am ending this post with some pictures of the track that my dad took back in the early 80s.  Since there is a certain novice / intermediate who didn’t race for a very long time in many of these pictures, please view them for the memories rather than the BMX skills.  Maybe you’ll see yourself in some of them.

1981 – Before the retaining wall was built on the first straight:

Orange Y BMX - 1981

1981 – Before the fence was built on the back straight:

Orange Y BMX - 1981
Orange Y BMX - 1981
Orange Y BMX - 1981

1981 – The last turn (notice how close people were allowed to park back then):

orange-y-1981-06-m-rab
Orange Y BMX - 1981
Orange Y BMX - 1981

1981 – The last straight:

Orange Y BMX - 1981

1982 – Summer series?

Orange Y BMX - 1982
Orange Y BMX - 1982
Orange Y BMX - 1982
Orange Y BMX - 1982
Orange Y BMX - 1982
Orange Y BMX - 1982
Orange Y BMX - 1982

1983 – First straight. It figures that I quit the sport when I finally started to get out front.

Orange Y BMX - 1983

Some info my dad picked up in 1981:

Orange Y Info - 1981
Orange Y Info - 1981
Orange Y Info - 1981

Filed Under: Fun, Sports Tagged With: bmx, orange y bmx

Ed’s Place in Glendora – Amazing Hash Browns

July 5, 2016 by Ole Leave a Comment

Ed's Place - Glendora

Another water polo tournament, another new place for breakfast.

Ed's Place - Glendora

Ed’s Place in Glendora.

Ed's Place - Glendora

Ed's Place - Glendora

Bendy straws and Marilyn on the wall were a promising start.

Ed's Place - Glendora

Full stack of hot cakes:

Ed's Place - Glendora

Country Omelette (bacon, sausage and cheese):

Ed's Place - Glendora

The amazing Hash Browned Potatoes. These are the best hash browns I think I have ever had in a restaurant. They were so good that we ordered an extra side.
Ed's Place - Glendora

I liked that the bacon was lined up on the plate. The little things.

Ed's Place - Glendora

The next time we have an early game in Glendora, you will probably find us here.

Ed’s Place
141 N. Glendora Ave.
Glendora, CA

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: beyond riverside, breakfast

Rock & Brews Corona Is Now Open – Corona, CA

July 1, 2016 by Ole Leave a Comment

Rock & Brews - Corona, CA

Rock & Brews in The Crossings at Corona is now open. We stopped by this week for lunch. Here are a few pictures:

Rock & Brews - Corona, CA

Rock & Brews - Corona, CA

Beer lovers should feel right at home…

Rock & Brews - Corona, CA

Rock & Brews - Corona, CA

Firecracker Shrimp:

Rock & Brews - Corona, CA

Garlic Cheese Fries:

Rock & Brews - Corona, CA

“Any Way You Want It” Pizza:

Rock & Brews - Corona, CA

Original Cobb Salad – Chicken, Bacon, Blue Cheese, Avocado, Egg:

Rock & Brews - Corona, CA

Fire Grilled BBQ Tri Tip Steak Platter:

Rock & Brews - Corona, CA

“Purple Rain” Drops – Chocolate Filled French Donuts with Raspberry Sauce:

Rock & Brews - Corona, CA

Rock & Brews - Corona, CA

There was a good lunch crowd (busier than I remember it being when it was Bubba Jacks or On The Border) and the service was great.

The garlic cheese fries could have used a little more garlic and cheese, and a little more trip tip would have been nice, but overall the food was pretty good.

Fun lunch with the family.

Rock & Brews Corona
3550 Grand Oaks
Corona, CA
www.rockandbrews.com

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: crossings at corona

Wang Cho Korean BBQ in Riverside Plaza is Now Open

May 2, 2016 by Ole 2 Comments

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Although I have only eaten at Korean BBQ restaurants a few times, I have been anxiously waiting for the new Wang Cho Korean BBQ in Riverside Plaza to open.

We showed up for opening day last Friday, but management wasn’t able to open the restaurant for lunch due to a power outage.

We went back today.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

There is another Wang Cho Korean BBQ in Chino Hills, but we have never eaten there. Since this was our first time, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. The manager and servers were very helpful, and steered us toward the all-you-can-eat lunch special.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

If you have never eaten at a Korean BBQ restaurant or have only eaten at a quick serve restaurant in the mall, you might wonder what this silver thing is for. I’ll get back to that.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

The all-you-can-eat lunch special allows you to order four meats at one time. We chose the Angus Beef Brisket, Marinated Boneless Beef, Curry Chicken and Fire Cheese Chicken.

If the meat looks raw, you are correct.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

All of the meat is brought to your table uncooked.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Don’t eat the raw meat.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Cook it. At your table. That silver thing in the middle of your table is your own personal grill.

If you’re not sure how to cook something, just ask the servers for assistance. They will even switch out the grill when it gets too charred.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Here are a few of the finished products.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Since it was all-you-can-eat, we asked for more meat (actually, “I” am the one who asked since my wife was done). This time we added Sliced Beef Bulgogi, Spicy Red Pork Belly, Assorted Vegetables & Mushrooms and some more Angus Beef Brisket.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

This is a nice place and you will definitely not go hungry.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ
3639 Riverside Plaza Dr.
Riverside, CA
www.wangchobbq.com

Filed Under: Food, Uncategorized Tagged With: korean bbq, riverside plaza, riverside restaurant, wang cho korean bbq

Baja Fish Tacos – Norco

March 30, 2016 by Ole Leave a Comment

Last summer during a break in a water polo tournament, my oldest son and I found this great Mexican food place in Foothill Ranch. He loved the fish tacos, I loved the carne asada nachos, and we both wanted to try it again someday.

Unfortunately, the next time we were out in that area I got the name wrong and ended up at a Baja Fresh. After a less than satisfying meal, I realized that I should have searched for Baja Fish Tacos instead.

Fortunately, I also found out that there is a Baja Fish Tacos in Norco.

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

Baja Fish Tacos has quickly become one of our favorite places. We have tried all of the tacos (fish, shrimp, carne asada and chicken), and they are all awesome.

Here are a few pictures of the interior and the food:

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

Chips are extra, but they are always warm and you get them right when you order. The salsas are great. The roasted tomato is my favorite, but I also like the roasted tomatillo.

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

During her first visit, my wife ordered a green salad to go along with her meal, but realized that the salad is the size of a meal all by itself.

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

The carne asada nachos are full of delicious carne asada. They normally come with pinto beans, but I ask for the black beans instead.

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

The Charbroiled Fish Tacos are my wife’s favorite. You can also order the fish blackened or “Ensenada Style” (beer batter).

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

I’ve tried the carne asada enchiladas a few times…

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

… but my favorite items are the carne asada and chicken tacos. As usual, I order them plain and add my favorite salsa. The carne asada is consistently awesome.

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

Baja Fish Tacos - Norco

In addition to Norco, you can find Baja Fish Tacos in these cities: Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Long Beach, Mission Viejo, Orange, Santa Ana, Brea

Baja Fish Tacos
2335 Hamner Ave
Norco, CA
bajafishtacos.com

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: favorite places to eat, mexican food, norco restaurant, tacos

Rock & Brews Coming to Corona Crossings

March 14, 2016 by Ole 3 Comments

While driving through The Crossings at Corona over the weekend, I noticed this sign:

IMG_22423-rock-and-brews-corona

… in the window of this building:

IMG_22524-rock-and-brews-corona

This is the location previously occupied by On The Border and Bubba Jack’s Hill Country Roadhouse.

CIMG36071-rock-and-brews-corona

IMG_32002-rock-and-brews-corona

What is Rock & Brews?

Rock & Brews is an energized dining and entertainment concept offering affordable, high quality American comfort food and a broad selection of international and craft brews, while immersing guests in a family-friendly rock ‘n’ roll experience unlike any other. Where the unifying force of rock ‘n’ roll meets the burgeoning craft beer culture, Rock & Brews is born. – www.rockandbrews.com

If you are a KISS fan, you will probably really like this place:

Backstage after the concert, enjoying a cold beer and visiting with longtime friends KISS front men Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Dave said, “What’s better than rock and brews?” A spontaneous brainstorming ensued, engaging the diverse talents and creative energy of the five friends bound together by their love of concert rock, and Rock & Brews was born.

The collaboration, combining extensive concert, branding and restaurant experience, with the immense international fan-base of KISS, has produced a new brand that is widely engaging and poised for thoughtful worldwide expansion. – www.rockandbrews.com/history

The owners of this franchise also own the Rock & Brews locations in Buena Park and Redondo Beach.

I look forward to giving it a try.

Rock & Brews
3550 Grand Oaks
Corona, CA

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: crossings at corona

The Hat, Glendora

February 1, 2016 by Ole Leave a Comment

Water polo often takes us out to Citrus College in Glendora. The Hat on Route 66 is our usual post-tournament meal.

The Hat, Glendora

If you’re familiar with The Hat in Rancho Cucamonga, Murrieta or any of the other Southern California locations, then you know what this place is all about: Pastrami.

The Hat, Glendora

Pastrami on chili cheese fries…

The Hat, Glendora - Chili Cheese & Pastrami Fries

Pastrami Dip…

The Hat, Glendora - Pastrami Dip

Onion rings topped with chili, cheese and pastrami…

The Hat, Glendora - Chili Cheese & Pastrami Onion Rings

We are usually at the mercy of the tournament schedule, so sometimes we get to go when it isn’t too crowded. But if you want to go during lunch, expect a crowd.

The Hat, Glendora

The Hat
611 W. Route 66
Glendora, CA
www.thehat.com

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: beyond riverside, favorite places to eat, glendora, pastrami, the hat

Templo Del Sol in Riverside – AMAZING Carnitas and Tacos Al Pastor

January 22, 2016 by Ole Leave a Comment

My first restaurant post of the New Year is about one of my favorite places to get tacos… Templo Del Sol in Riverside.

I opened with almost the same sentence when I wrote about Josie’s Tacos in 2014. Why? Because when Josie’s closed, the recipe for my favorite tacos al pastor transferred over to Templo Del Sol.

Templo Del Sol Outside

Templo Del Sol Outside

Templo Del Sol Inside

Josie’s Tacos and Templo Del Sol shared common ownership…

josies-tacos-owner-sign

… so the person who made the al pastor (delicious, marinated pork) at Josie’s is now here.

This makes me very happy because the al pastor is AMAZING.

Templo Del Sol Al Pastor Tacos

Unfortunately, al pastor isn’t always available, which I learned on a recent trip. However, after they found out how much I liked it, they made some for me for my next visit. I love small restaurants.

Templo Del Sol Al Pastor Tacos

After trying the al pastor at Josie’s for the first time, I never ordered anything else. When the al pastor wasn’t available here, I was forced to try something different. That is when I learned that Templo Del Sol also makes AMAZING carnitas.

Seriously, Templo Del Sol makes the best al pastor and carnitas I have ever tried.

Templo Del Sol Carnitas Taco

Although I’m focusing on the al pastor and carnitas, Templo Del Sol has much more to offer.  Here are a few more items we have tried:

Fried Burrito:

Templo Del Sol Fried Burrito

Chorizo and Eggs:

Templo Del Sol Chorizo and Eggs

Carne Asada Enchiladas (another of my favorites):

Templo Del Sol Enchiladas

Chicken Taquitos with plenty of meat:

Templo Del Sol Taquitos

Templo Del Sol Chicken Taquito

Chips and salsa:

Templo Del Sol Chips and Salsa

If you like Mexican food, this place is definitely worth a try. PLEASE order the al pastor so they will have to make it all the time.

Templo Del Sol
1365 University Ave.
Riverside, CA
www.templodelsolrestaurant.com

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: al pastor, favorite places to eat, josie's tacos, mexican food, riverside restaurant, tacos, templo del sol

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